Cement is an artificially created material, without which no construction can do. Moreover, depending on the method of production and type of cement, the materials for its production may be various natural substances that give each type of cement special properties.

What substances does cement consist of?

The main raw materials for cement production are clay and carbonate rocks - clinker, and in some cases industrial waste - metallurgical blast furnace slag.

By "carbonate rocks" are meant and used for the production of cement: limestone, shell rock, chalk, marl, dolomite and other sedimentary rocks having an amorphous carbonate-clay, chalk or limestone structure.

The fact is that chalk and limestone are easily crushed substances, which is very important in the production of cement - a fine powder with unique properties.

By “clay rocks” is meant: clay, loam, loess and shale. These rocks consist of different types of minerals (feldspar, quartz, silicate, etc.), which have the ability to increase volume, and also acquire plasticity in contact with water.

Cement is obtained by fine grinding of clinker and gypsum. Clinker is a product of uniform firing prior to sintering of a homogeneous raw mixture consisting of limestone and clay of a certain composition, which ensures the predominance of calcium silicates.

In addition to the main types of raw materials in the production of cement, various additives are used that give the “binder” special properties: aluminous and siliceous additives, fluorspar, gypsum, apatite, fluorites, sodium silicofluoride, sodium chloride and others.

The main stages of cement production technology, clearly demonstrating what cement consists of /

• Extraction and enrichment of the main raw materials (limestone, clay and gypsum stone);
• Crushing, drying, grinding, mixing and adjusting the raw materials in the proportions clearly specified by regulatory documents;
• Receiving sludge, depending on the accepted production methods: wet, dry or combined;
• Firing a mixture of raw materials at a temperature of 1,450 degrees Celsius - obtaining clinker;
• Shredding clinker to a finely divided state;
• Mixing components: crushed clinker, gypsum and mineral additives.

The obtained fine powder of gray-green color is the most widely used type of “binder - Portland cement of one or another brand.

Types of cement - purpose and features

• White cement. It is used for the production of packaged dry building mixes and the construction of decorative colored structures. It is characterized by an accelerated set of strength, unique decorative properties, increased resistance to atmospheric factors and high cost in relation to standard Portland cement;
• Fast hardening cements. They are Portland cement with special additives that accelerate the setting and hydration process;
• Expanding cements. This type of cement is made from alumina cement and gypsum. Unlike all other types of “binder” shrink during setting, expanding cement in accordance with its name increases in volume;
• Waterproof non-shrink cement. It is used for waterproofing joints, the construction of hydraulic structures, underground concrete tanks, tunnels and other structures operating in high humidity;
• Hydrophobic cement. It is a cement with special additives that increase the period of warranty storage and transportation in conditions of high humidity. Used for the preparation of frost-resistant and waterproof concrete;
• Alumina cement. It is characterized by a very fast set of strength - up to 50% of branded strength within 24 hours. The hydration process takes place with significant heat generation, which is a positive property when concreting at low temperatures;
• Strained cement. Concrete based on cement of this type has a positive property to expand during the set of strength. In addition, such concretes are leaders in terms of the coefficient of water resistance - up to W20, which is very important for the construction of tanks, pools, monolithic roofs and hydraulic structures without arranging additional waterproofing;
• Pozzolanic cement - Portland cement with the addition of finely divided silica. It is characterized by an increased setting period and low heat during hydration. It is used for the construction of powerful volumetric concrete structures;
• Sulfate-resistant cement. It is characterized by high resistance to aggressive salts. It is used for the construction of hydraulic structures working under the influence of sea water;
• Slag Portland cement. It is made from crushed metallurgical slag with the addition of active substances: lime, gypsum, etc.

  - the basis of any building structure. Almost every building around us, one way or another, was built using cement mortar. Construction, created on the basis of cement, can withstand multi-ton loads for decades, practically without experiencing negative influence from the outside. Why has cement been the most popular building material for decades? The editors of the site will try to uncover the very secret formula, thanks to which we will finally learn what cement is made of and why it is considered one of the most durable materials in the whole world.

Cement is a connecting link of any design. From staircase steps to luxury skyscrapers

Read the article

Regulations

Cement, like any other product, must pass the certification procedure. There are several GOSTs and SNiPs, which to one degree or another relate to the quality of the cement mixture. We list the main ones:

1. GOST 31108-2003 “Cement for general construction. Technical conditions. "
2. GOST 30515-97 “Cements. General specifications. "
3. GOST 10178-85 “Portland cement and slag Portland cement. Technical conditions. "

Chemical composition of cement

Cement itself is nothing more than powder. It is created on the basis of clinker. The composition may contain different components and fillers.

Interesting fact!  When the cement mortar hardens, its density is not inferior to the density of the stone. Cement is also used to create artificial stone.

Heating occurs up to + 1450 ° C. The structure of natural components changes, and a new substance is obtained - clinker. After this, the resulting substance is combined with gypsum and grinded, resulting in a familiar cement powder.

A comment

Ask a Question

“This is how the chemical composition of the finished cement powder looks like: 67% calcium oxide (CaO), 22% silicon dioxide (SiO2), 5% aluminum oxide (Al2O3), 3% iron oxide (Fe2O3), 3% other components.”

Main characteristics

For cement, its brand remains the main technical characteristic, it is this marking that will tell about such an important characteristic, as an indicator of maximum load in kg.

Numbers indicate the maximum rate that frozen cement can withstand. It is also called a measure of compressive strength. In practice, this value indicates the weight that the material can withstand and not collapse. For example, when using cement M200, the load that 1 cm³ can withstand is 200 kg.

Interestingly, testing cement is allowed only after complete drying, and this happens after 28 days and not earlier. After that, a test sample of cement is placed under a press and compressed. The pressure at which it began to break down is its brand. Moreover, the procedure is repeated six times, and then the arithmetic average is calculated from the 4 best indicators. This indicator is measured in MPa and kg / cm².

A comment

Team leader of the repair and construction company "Premium House"

Ask a Question

The letter “D” indicates data on special additives used in cement. For example, D10 suggests that 10% of the additives were added to the dry mix. Thanks to them, it is possible to give the finished structure additional strength and frost resistance. ”

Types of cement for use

As we noted earlier, the quality of the cement mixture is affected by various additives. Its scope and strength depend on this. For example, frost-resistant samples are used in buildings in areas with harsh climates; in seismically dangerous zones, additives are used that increase the stickiness of the mixture. They, in turn, do not allow concrete structures to crack.

Interesting fact!  In the process of freezing, the water contained in the concrete expands and begins to destroy it from the inside. However, modern technologies can improve the degree of frost resistance, mineral additives, for example, neutralized wood pitch, are introduced into the cement powder. They create a strong shell around water particles.

Most often, various additives are added to the cement mixture, the percentage of which can reach 10 and 20%. For the construction of monolithic buildings I use cement brand M500. Such a material has a higher hardening rate and strength. Usually it is from such a cement mixture that the supporting structures are erected.

What cement is made of

Typically, cement plants are built where there are deposits of limestone and other rocks that are used to create clinker. The main natural elements of which cement is made are:

• carbonate type fossils: crystalline rocks that can be fired;
• clay materials, as well as rocks of sedimentary nature of mineral origin. The raw material is characterized by viscosity, it is used in the dry method of production.

A comment

Team leader of the repair and construction company "Premium House"

Ask a Question

When choosing cement, pay attention to such an indicator as fineness of grinding. The finer the powder structure, the stronger the mixture. ”

Carbonate rocks

What carbonate rocks are used in cement production:

• a piece of chalk  (limestone variation) - easy to process, cheap and versatile;
• marl, or marly limestone. The advantage of these rocks is that they contain a sufficient amount of moisture, in addition, they contain the necessary clay particles;
• limestone raw materials, shells, characterized by the absence of silicon inclusions. The rock has a porous structure, is easily destroyed by compressive forces;
• carbonate rocks. They are characterized by valuable physical properties.

Clay raw materials

Clay rocks include:

• claycontaining mineral inclusions swelling with the addition of water;
• loams  - diluted with sand fraction;
• slates  - strong clay rocks;
• loess  - inelastic porous rock with the inclusion of quartz.

Corrective Additives

In addition to mineral raw materials, special plasticizers are used in the production of cement. Most often, fossil-based additives containing fluorspar, as well as apatites, are used.

Important!  The basis of any binder is cement clinker and only 15-20% of mineral additives. The strength of the future cement and its other characteristics depend on it.

How to make cement in production

Like any production, the creation of a cement mixture occurs strictly according to a special technological scheme. And consists of the following steps:

1. Clinker creation. We recall that it is made of limestone and clay in a percentage ratio of 75 × 25. The mixture is placed in an oven, at a temperature of approximately + 1500 ° C, a change in composition occurs. A viscous substance is formed that securely fastens all clinker granules. The resulting clinker is cooled in special refrigeration units.
2. Then the granules are further crushed. Grinding occurs in special grinding mills. They are drums with steel balls placed there.
3. Finely dispersed and mineral additives are also added to the crushed clinker.

  The finer the cement fraction, the stronger and more reliable the composition, the higher the grade

There are different technologies for the preparation of raw materials. Consider the main ones.

Wet method

Wet technology requires the mandatory addition of water at the grinding stage, in which case chalk is used instead of lime. This forms a special mixture, or mixture, which is then re-dried in an oven, turning into a kind of glass ball, which is then crushed again. At the same time, the cost of cement increases significantly. You think that the mixture prepared in this way is more durable.

Dry way

Dry method is a cheaper option. In this case, in practice, two technological operations are combined - grinding and drying the mixture. Hot gases are sent to the ball mill and they are dried. Here, the finished powder is obtained at the exit.

Combined Techniques

The combined version combines the features of the wet and dry method. Technology is different in every enterprise. Sometimes, instead of the wet method, allowing clinker to be hydrated to 50%, options are used to lower the humidity at this stage to 18 or 20%. The second method involves the preparation of a dry mixture with subsequent moistening up to 14%, granulation, final annealing. It all depends on the tasks facing the technologist.

How to make cement at home

Despite the apparent complexity of cement production, it is possible to do it yourself at home. It is clear that this option will not be as technologically advanced as at the factory, and it will also fail to burn it at the required temperature. However, we can tell you some tricks. Consider one of the popular recipes for creating a composition that is quite suitable for sealing cracks and

Cement is an astringent that tends to harden in water and in the open air. Let’s figure out what cement is made of, however, there’s still everyone who is jealous of it. It is formed by grinding clinker, gypsum and special additives. Clinker is the result of firing a raw mix, which includes limestone, clay and other materials (blast furnace slag, nepheline sludge, marl). The ingredients are taken in a certain ratio, which ensures the formation of calcium silicates, aluminoferrite and aluminate phases.

The patent for cement was first registered in 1824, in England, by D. Aspindom. Then the author of the patent mixed lime dust with clay, processed the mixture by means of high temperature. The result was a gray clinker. Further, the material was ground and filled with water.

What is cement made of today? Clinker is still the main component that makes up cement. It depends on it the properties and strength of the building material. In addition, active mineral additives (15%) are included in accordance with production standards. They slightly affect the basic properties and technical characteristics of the building material. If you increase the amount of additives to 20%, then the properties of the cement will be slightly changed, and it will be called pozzolanic cement.

In the scattered state, it is 900-1300 kg / cubic meter, compacted - up to 2000 kg / cubic meter. m. Calculating the capacity of warehouses for storage, the weight of cement is equal to 1200 kg / cu. m. Cement production without additives is regulated by GOST 10178-76, with additives - GOST 21-9-74.

The main characteristics of cement

Depending on what cement is made of, the material has different properties. The main ones include:
1. Strength. This is the parameter that is responsible for the destruction of the material under the influence of certain conditions. Depending on the mechanical strength, four types of cement are distinguished: 400, 500, 550 and 600.
  2.. It is determined by laying a cement paste of normal density on a flat surface - the cement should evenly change its volume when dried. Otherwise, it can not be used in construction due to possible damage to the coating as a result of excessive stress. Volume changes are checked by boiling the frozen cement cakes.
3.   Grinding grain. The parameter affects the drying speed and strength. The finer the grinding, the better and stronger the cement, especially in the first stage of hardening. The granularity of the grinding is determined by the specific surface of the particles, which are part of 1 kg of cement, and ranges from 3000-3200 kg / cu. m
4.   Density. The cost of water to create the mixture. This is the amount of water during mixing, necessary for the normal laying and drying of the material. To reduce its consumption and increase the ductility of cement, plasticizing organic and inorganic substances are used. For example, sulfide-yeast mash.
5. Frost resistance. The parameter allows you to determine the ability to withstand temporary freezing of water, as a result of which its volume increases by 8-9%. Water presses on the walls of the cement (concrete) coating, and this, in turn, violates the structure of the solution, gradually destroying it.
6. Grip.
7. Heat dissipation  - in the process of cement hardening heat is generated. If this happens slowly and gradually, then the coating solidifies evenly without cracking. The amount and rate of heat generation can be reduced by using a special mineralogical composition, which is added to the solution.

Today, many types of cement are produced. What cement consists of has a greater effect on its properties. Depending on the raw material base, these types of cement are distinguished:

• lime;
• marly;
• clay cement with additives of slag and bauxite. Its feature is water resistance, frost resistance, fire resistance.

Clay and carbonate compounds are mainly used in the manufacture of cement. Sometimes - artificial raw materials (waste, slag) or other natural materials (residues of alumina).

Distinguish. Portland cement hardens quickly and may contain in its composition mineral additives from 10 to 15%. Clinker and gypsum (the main components) included in its composition are fired at a temperature of 1500 degrees Celsius. Portland cement is actively used for modern construction work. Its main property is the ability to turn into a solid stone block, even when interacting with water.

In addition to Portland cement and slag Portland cement, the following types of cement are distinguished:

• hydraulic;
• straining - has the ability to quickly set and dry;
• grouting - designed for concreting gas and oil wells;
• decorative (white);
• sulfate-resistant - its distinctive feature is a low solidification rate and increased frost resistance.

Areas of use

Very often, cement is used in construction to create concrete and reinforced structures. Grade 400 is used for pouring the foundation and construction of floor beams in high-rise buildings.

Cement is included in many compositions: concrete, reinforced concrete, plaster, putty, masonry mortar. It is used in the construction of complex structures, in underwater, underground construction, for autoclave materials.

Speaking of such a popular building material, I immediately recall a homogeneous loose mixture of gray. However, the definition will be inaccurate, if not supplemented - it is an artificially obtained, inorganic astringent. When interacting with water, it is converted into a rather plastic mass, which subsequently hardens and becomes stone-like. For its ability to gain strength under wet conditions, it is classified as a hydraulic agent.

Cement brand is the leading indicator of its strength. There are many classes: M100, 150, 200, 250, 300 and even M600. But grades from M350 to 500 are most in demand. The numerical value indicates what load 1 cm2 of the hardened composition can withstand. For example, the tensile strength of the M400 for bending and compression is 400 kg / cm2.

What is the material made of?

They make cement from 2 main elements: gypsum and clinker. The latter should be understood as the product of uniform firing of the raw material mass, consisting of clay and limestone of a certain composition, before sintering. Sometimes clinker may additionally contain marl, nepheline sludge, blast furnace slag. With the introduction of mineral additives (up to 15-20% by weight), the properties change somewhat. The most common modifier impurities are: bauxite, pyrite cinder, sand, blast furnace dust. If the content of additives exceeds 20%, a pozzolanic cement is obtained that is not afraid of interaction with sulphate and fresh waters.

The composition of the binder is determined by the firing of the raw mix. At certain temperatures, calcium oxides are formed from limestone, which upon further heating enter into a complex reaction with clay components. As a result, compounds are formed that can, after fine grinding and mixing with water, harden and turn into a stone-like body.

Chemical composition:

1. CaO - calcium oxide 67%;
2. SiO 2 - silicon dioxide 22%;
3. Al 2 O 3 - amphoteric alumina 5%;
4. Fe 2 O 3 - iron oxide 3%;
5. foreign elements 3%.

Varieties of cement

Characteristics largely depend on the content of mineral compositions and the proportions of the components. In industrial and private construction, the most popular formulations are:

1. Portland cement.

It is a mixture of finely ground gypsum, cement clinker and corrective additives (tripoli, flasks, pyrite cinders) with a predominant proportion of calcium silicates (up to 80%). The greater its mechanical strength, and the sooner it is achieved, the better the material is considered. In this regard, the PC, which is characterized by a high growth of the fortress, is called quick-hardening. It is called superstrong when it withstands maximum load on compression and bending. These characteristics are reflected in the marking. It is used in almost all areas, from building cladding to mass production of prefabricated concrete / reinforced concrete structures. Read about cement density.

2. Slag Portland cement.

It is created by grinding a certain amount of gypsum, clinker and granular slag (usually blast furnace - a product obtained by smelting cast iron in an oven). The technology of manufacturing a binder implies the mandatory drying of waste from metallurgical production to a moisture content not exceeding 1%. At the end, the material is not as frost-resistant as ordinary cement, and it hardens more slowly. However, low cost and excellent resistance to sulfates make it popular.

Scope of use: preparation of concrete mixtures, wall blocks, all kinds of mortars. It can be used to create not only ground structures, but also underground ones that are exposed to mineralized / fresh water.

3. Alumina.

They make it according to proven technology: the initial components are enriched with alumina - pure limestones and bauxites. The latter should be understood rocks, whose content is based on hydrates and impurities. Inherent in the clinker predominance of single-calcium aluminate. This determines the main characteristics: to quickly set, to be resistant to moisture, thermal effects, in particular, to an open fire.

Due to water resistance it is often used in winter. And thanks to the high speed of solidification, it is indispensable in emergency operations. Another area is the manufacture on its basis of various heat-resistant concrete.

4. Magnesian.

The key difference is that magnesium oxide acts as the active component. To obtain it, finely divided magnesite (or dolomite) is taken, which is subsequently calcined. The mineral itself, when dissolved by water, almost does not reveal astringent properties. But after its dilution with magnesium salts (sulfide / chloride), the final mixture acquires the necessary parameters and is quite suitable for construction work.

It is famous for good adhesion to various fillers, including organic origin, strength, low thermal conductivity. Due to such unique qualities it can be used in the manufacture of tiles, staircases, partitions, thermal insulation products (foam, gas magnesites). But the main area is the arrangement of seamless monolithic floors.

5. Pozzolanic.

The production technology is based on the use of clinker, active additives (pozzolan - a mixture of volcanic ash, tuff, pumice; burnt shale; fly ash; silica fume), the proportion of the total mass of which is 20-40%. Auxiliary additives may be included. Gypsum is poured in the amount necessary to regulate the setting time.

Pozzolanic differs from the classical composition in that it is characterized by a higher resistance to corrosion and sulfate waters. It is frost-resistant enough, shows minimal heat release during hardening. Due to the addition of light mineral additives, it has a lower specific gravity, but the same additives increase the yield of cement mortar. Most often used for the preparation of concrete / reinforced concrete products in underground / underwater structures. If we are talking about ground buildings in a dry climate, it is inappropriate to float, since it will be much inferior to Portland cement.

Rarely used materials are romance cement (a combination of clinker with dolomitic marl and gypsum) and acid-resistant products based on quartz / diabase, whose mixing is carried out not with water, but with liquid glass. White and color compositions, on the contrary, are in demand, but only in the field of architectural and finishing works.

Production technology

To get cement, turn to the following steps:

1. heating the mixture of slaked lime and clay to a temperature of + 1450-1480̊ C; at the end of this process, the necessary clinker granules are formed;
2. the connection of the intermediate product (clinker) with gypsum and their further grinding to obtain a powder state;
3. the introduction of additives and additives (if necessary), which will positively affect the properties.

In the manufacture of astringent composition, not only production processes are strictly observed, but also preparatory measures, the ratio of components. After the cement has a finished look, it is transported to warehouses, where it awaits delivery to the consumer.

The cost of different brands

The formation of the final price is influenced by many factors:

1. packaging - it is more profitable to purchase in large volumes, therefore it is not surprising that a bag weighing 0.05 tons will cost less per 1 kg than a 5 kg package;
2. seasonality (activity of the period) - spring / summer, part of autumn - the time when construction and repairs are in full swing, and, therefore, the cost of cementitious compounds is not unreasonable;
3. territorial pricing policy;
4. manufacturer prestige;
5. strength characteristics are the main aspect in determining cost: the higher the compressive strength of cement, the better it will be, and its price will be higher.

Price depending on brand for 50 kg, rubles
M100	M150	M200	M250	M300	M350

Articles

At all times, man for his needs was engaged in construction, starting with ancient buildings and ending with modern technical masterpieces. In order for buildings and other constructions to remain reliable, a substance is needed that will not allow the separate parts to disintegrate.

Cement is a material that serves to bond building elements. Its application is great in the modern world. It is used in various fields of human activity, and the fate of all structures depends on it.

History of occurrence

They began to use it in ancient times. At first it was unburnt clay. Due to its ease of preparation and prevalence, it has been used everywhere. But due to its low viscosity and stability, clay has given way to heat-treated materials.

In Egypt, the first high-quality building materials were obtained. This is lime and gypsum. They had the ability to harden in the air, which is why they were widely used. These building materials met the requirements until shipping began to develop. It became necessary a new substance that would resist the action of water.

In the XVIII century, material was invented - romance. This is a product that could harden both in water and in air. But the enhanced development of industry required better materials and binders. In the 19th century, a new substance for binding was invented. It is called Portland cement. This material is used to this day. With the development of mankind, new requirements are presented to binders. Each industry uses its own brand with the necessary properties.

Structure

Cement is the main component of the construction industry. The main components in it are clay and limestone. They are mixed with each other and subjected to heat treatment. Then the resulting mass is ground to a powder state. The gray fine mixture is cement. If mixed with water, then the mass will eventually become like a stone. The main feature is the ability to harden in air and resist moisture.

Cement Mortar

In order for the building mass to be of the required quality, the composition should include at least 25% of the liquid. Changing the ratio in any direction leads to a decrease in the operational properties of the solution, as well as its quality. Curing occurs 60 minutes after adding water, and after 12 hours the mixture loses its elasticity. It all depends on the air temperature. The higher it is, the faster the mass hardens.

To obtain a solution, sand is needed, in which cement is added. The resulting mixture is thoroughly mixed and poured with water. Depending on the work performed, the solution may be ordinary or enriched. The first consists of proportions of 1: 5, and the second - 1: 2.

Types and production of cement

At the moment, many varieties of knitting material are made. Each has its own degree of hardness, which is indicated in the brand.

The main types include:

• Portland cement (silicate). It is the founder of all kinds. Any brand uses it as a foundation. The difference is the number and composition of additives that give the cement the necessary properties. The powder itself has a gray-green color. When liquid is added, it hardens and hardens. It is not used separately in construction, but is used as a basis for creating
• The plasticized composition reduces costs, has the ability to remove the mobility of the solution and perfectly resists the effects of cold.
• Slag cement. This is the result of crushing clinker, and adding active additives. It is used in construction for the preparation of mortars and concrete.

• Aluminous. It has high activity, setting speed (45 minutes) and hardening (complete occurs after 10 hours). Also a distinctive property is increased resistance to moisture.
• Acid resistant. It is formed as a result of mixing quartz sand and sodium silicofluoride. Sodium is added to prepare the solution. The advantage of such a cement is its resistance to acids. The disadvantage is a short service life.
• Color. It is formed by mixing Portland cement and pigment substances. Unusual color is used for decorative work.

Cement production consists of 4 stages:

• Extraction of raw materials and its preparation.
• Firing and getting clinker.
• Grinding to a powder state.
• The addition of necessary impurities.

Cement Production Methods

There are 3 methods that depend on the preparation of raw materials for heat treatment:

• Wet. With this method, the required amount of liquid is present at all stages of cement production. It is used in situations where the main components cannot participate in the process without the use of water. This is a chalk with a high moisture content, plastic clay or limestone.

• Dry. All stages of cement production are carried out with materials containing a minimum amount of water.
• Combined. Cement production includes both wet and dry methods. The initial cement mixture is made with water, and then it is filtered as much as possible on special equipment.

Concrete

This is a building material that is formed by mixing cement, filler, fluid and the necessary additives. In other words, it is a hardened mixture, which includes crushed stone, sand, water and cement. Concrete differs from mortar in its composition and size of the filler.

Classification

Depending on what bonding material is used, concrete can be:

• Cement. The most common type in construction. It is based on Portland cement, as well as its varieties.
• Gypsum. It has high strength. As a binding material is taken
• Polymeric. The basis is suitable for work on horizontal and vertical surfaces. It is an excellent material for decorating and landscaping.
• Silicate. The binders are lime and silica. Its properties are very similar to cement and is used in the production of reinforced concrete structures.

Depending on the purpose, concrete can be:

• Normal. Used in industrial and civil engineering.
• Special. Found its application in hydraulic structures, as well as in road, insulation and decorative works.
• Special purpose. resistant to chemical, thermal and other specific influences.

Cement cost

Manufacturers produce products packaged by weight. The weight of cement bags is 35, 42, 26, as well as 50 kg. It’s best to buy the last option. It is most suitable for loading and saves on packaging. Depending on the object where the repair work will be carried out, cement of various grades is used, which has its own cost. When paying, each bag of cement is taken into account. Its price is fixed and may fluctuate depending on the requirements of the seller.

Before you begin to calculate cash costs, you need to decide on one more nuance. Sometimes you can see an ad in which the price is below the standard. Do not fall into such a trap. In such cases, expensive cement is diluted with cheaper. By winning a few rubles, you will lose the quality of the building material.

Take one 50 kg bag of cement. The price of the M400D0 brand will be 220 rubles. The cost of others may vary, but on average it:

• M400D20 - 240 rubles.
• M500D0 - 280 rubles.
• M500D20 - 240 rubles.

If you need to use only a couple of bags of cement, then it is most profitable to buy them at the nearest store selling building materials. And if you need a large quantity, then you should contact the manufacturer.

Cement consumption

Before performing any construction work, the question arises of how much cement is needed and what kind of consistency the mortar should be. In the ideal case, strength should be maintained and proportionality of the components should not be exceeded.

When a responsible and serious work is ahead, mixing cement and sand “by eye” is unacceptable. If you do not spare the binder, then with large volumes it will cost a huge amount of money.

So how much cement is needed for the work done? Building standards (SNiP) will help answer. It takes into account all the reasons affecting the manufacture of the mixture. Focusing on the brand of composition and taking into account all factors, you can clearly find out the rate of cement consumption per 1 cubic meter of solution.

The main feature that many developers do not take into account is that cement is distributed in voids between sand particles. Remember that the composition is active. With long-term storage in the room, the 500 brand will become 400 in a few months. Therefore, when buying, you should always ask for a certificate with the date of issue.